Friday, June 20, 2008

Rebels sign Rocky

20/ 6/2008

FC UNITED have bounced off the ropes after losing three of their stars by signing "Rocky".

The Rebels have snapped up 24-year-old former Oldham and Carlisle winger Carlos Roca after his release by Altrincham, with manager Karl Marginson convinced that he will be a big hit with the FC fans.

Marginson said: “I’ve been after Carlos for a year, and I think our fans will love him. He is fast, tricky and creative. What I loved when I spoke to him is that he wants to enjoy his football, so he is singing from the same hymn sheet as the rest of this club."

After losing top strikers Rory Patterson and Stuart Rudd to UniBond premier rivals Bradford Park Avenue, and also seeing wide man Josh Howard join New Mills, the signing is a huge boost to FC morale.

And with skipper Dave Chadwick and midfielder Chris Baguley turning down more lucrative offers to remain at the club along with fans favourite Jerome Wright, Marginson feels his squad could be stronger and more competitive than ever next season.

Roca, who was once described by then Sunderland manager Mick McCarthy as a “complete bag of tricks” after starring against his side in an FA Cup tie at the Stadium of Light in 2006, has also turned out for Stalybridge and Droylsden.

Roca was a big favourite with Vics fans, who dubbed him “Rocky”.

The Withington lad began his career at Oldham, where he made 11 appearances, and moved on to Carlisle, for whom he played 15 times before moving into non-league football.